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Round-the-Clock Childcare Could Soon be a Reality In Australia

Australia's largest childcare group is working with the Gillard government to offer late-night and weekend childcare in a move to revolutionise the nation's childcare industry by prov iding around-the-clock care.

Canberra, August, 2012 - It is believed the government is considering a proposal to allow a trial at several long daycare centres of "flexible" hours to allow centres to operate on weekends and longer hours into the evening.

Goodstart Early Learning, the biggest childcare provider, has told the government it wants to start trials of extended care to make life easier for families, particularly for shift workers.

"There is an increasing need for improved flexibility to support the changing needs of Australia's families," chief executive Julie Davison said.

"We are wanting to offer more flexible solutions to families and are currently looking at options such as extended-hours weekdays and service on weekends.